1200 North 7th Street, Chariton, Iowa 50049Â Â |Â Â Phone: (641) 774-3374Â Â |Â Â Fax:Â (641) 774-3262
At Lucas County Health Center, we believe quality surgical care should be accessible close to home. Our surgical team partners with experienced general and specialty surgeons to provide a wide range of procedures in our modern surgical facility.
From consultations and diagnostic procedures to outpatient and inpatient surgeries, our team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care before, during, and after your procedure.
Whether you need a routine procedure or a more complex surgical intervention, you can count on the LCHC team to help guide you through every step of your care.
Have questions about surgical services at LCHC or need to schedule a consultation? Contact LCHC Medical Clinic at (641) 774-8103. We’re here to help you understand your options and feel supported throughout your care.
Meet Our Team
From your surgeon to the nurses and surgical professionals supporting you throughout your procedure, our team is here to care for you every step of the way.
Matt Morgan, DO, FACOS
General Surgery
Eric Muhm, DPM
Podiatry
Dale Lensing, MD
Gynecology
Thomas Klein, DO
Pain Management
Simon Wright, MD, PhD
ENT
Brandon Fontenot, CRNA
Anesthesia
Hallie Carlson, CRNA
Anesthesia
Alivia Bakley, RN
Perioperative Nurse
Konrad Konsitzke, RN
Perioperative Nurse
Tori Reynolds, RN
Perioperative Nurse
Alysha Spencer, CST
Surgical Technologist
Chelsey Wickett, RN
Perioperative Nurse
Explore Our Surgical Services
Appendectomy
An appendectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix, most commonly to treat appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix. Removing the appendix helps prevent it from rupturing and spreading infection into the abdomen.
An appendectomy may be performed using traditional open surgery or a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach, which uses several small incisions and a camera to guide the procedure.
Common symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Abdominal pain that often begins near the belly button and moves toward the lower right abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal swelling
- Fever
- Painful urination
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Constipation or diarrhea
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a physician to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon) using a flexible tube with a camera. It can help identify conditions such as polyps, tumors, inflammation, and other abnormalities.
During the procedure, polyps can often be removed and tissue samples collected for further evaluation. Removing certain types of polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a colonoscopy for symptoms or concerns such as:
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Changes in bowel habits, including persistent constipation or diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
EGD (Upper Endoscopy)
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), commonly called an upper endoscopy, allows a physician to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine using a flexible tube with a camera.
An EGD can help identify conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, tumors, polyps, and other abnormalities. Tissue samples may also be collected for further testing.
Your provider may recommend an EGD if you experience:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal pain or tenderness
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Unexplained weight loss
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Feeling unusually full after eating
Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Certain conditions can cause the gallbladder to become inflamed or develop gallstones, sometimes requiring surgical removal.
Conditions that may require treatment include:
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis): Hardened deposits that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and inflammation.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by a gallstone blocking the flow of bile.
- Gallstone pancreatitis: A condition that occurs when a gallstone blocks a duct involved in draining the pancreas, causing inflammation.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents, including acid, flow backward into the esophagus. This can cause irritation and symptoms such as heartburn and discomfort.
Many people manage GERD with medication and lifestyle changes. However, when these treatments are not effective or symptoms continue, surgical treatment may be an option.
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether additional testing or a surgical consultation may be appropriate.
Podiatric Surgery
Dr. Eric Muhm, DPM, provides surgical treatment for a variety of foot and ankle conditions when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Procedures and treatments may include:
- Bunion correction
- Hammertoe correction
- Fracture care
- Treatment of sports-related injuries
- Flat foot procedures
- Neuroma removal
- Removal of soft tissue masses
Learn more about Dr. Muhm and the care he provides.
Specialty Surgical Services
In addition to general surgery, LCHC partners with experienced specialty providers to offer additional surgical services close to home.
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
Through our partnership with Iowa ENT, patients have access to a variety of ear, nose, and throat procedures, including:
- Myringotomy
- Myringoplasty
- Tonsil and adenoid removal
- Nasal fracture repair
- Nasal endoscopy
Learn more about ENT services at Lucas County Health Center.
Gynecological Surgery
LCHC offers gynecological surgical procedures for certain conditions when medication, lifestyle changes, or other treatments have not provided adequate relief.
Procedures include:
- Diagnostic laparoscopy
- Tubal ligation
- Hysterectomy
- Removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries
- Dilation and curettage (D&C)
- Thermal ablation
Learn more about Gynecology services at Lucas County Health Center.
Urologic Surgery
LCHC offers access to urologic care and procedures for conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Conditions and concerns may include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Enlarged prostate
- Bladder conditions
- Kidney infections
- Kidney and bladder stones
- Urinary incontinence
Your healthcare provider can help determine the appropriate evaluation and treatment options.
Learn more about Urology services at Lucas County Health Center.